Indianapolis, Indiana, February 14, 2017 (Newswire.com) - King Park Development Corporation (King Park) announced today that Executive Director, Steven Meyer, was named to IBJ’s Forty Under 40 class for 2017. Meyer was recognized in part for his efforts to launch the Build Fund, a small business loan fund operated by King Park.

“I am honored to be named to the 2017 class of the IBJ’s Forty Under 40,” Meyer said. “I am privileged to be engaged in rewarding community development work every day. It is especially satisfying to see our neighborhoods revitalizing and the quality of life of residents improving. Without question, none of the positive impact we are making in the community would be possible without our talented staff and supportive board members.”

According to the IBJ, a committee of three IBJ staff members and two members of prior Forty Under 40 classes had the difficult task of choosing the 25th Forty Under 40 class from hundreds nominations submitted by readers and IBJ staff.

Criteria for selection included the level of success a nominee has achieved in his or her chosen field, their accomplishments in the community, and the likelihood the nominee will stay in Indianapolis and build on those achievements. The committee tries to include individuals from many fields of endeavor. Every effort is made to ensure deserving candidates are considered across gender and race. However, final selections are based solely on a person’s accomplishments.

Steven also added that he is fortunate to have strong partnership and funding relationships, including those with:

“I’m grateful to be able to work with bright and dedicated people every day,” Meyer said. “I am also indebted to those who choose to invest in Indianapolis. We’ve been able to work with numerous terrific businesses that have chosen our neighborhoods – Hotel Tango Whiskey, Longbranch, Cannon Ball Brewing, Festiva, R & B Architects, Reveal Properties, TSV, and more. I look forward to continuing to attract economic opportunities to the neighborhoods.”

The Build Fund has helped Hotel Tango Whiskey expedite its growth into hundreds of restaurants, bars and retail establishments, as well as funded its latest distillery in the Tinker House building at 16th Street and the Monon Trail.

"The Build Fund allowed Hotel Tango access to capital otherwise unavailable for a startup, which has expedited our ability to enter new states and markets,” said Travis Barnes, President and CEO of Hotel Tango Whiskey. “Moreover, the Build Fund gives Hotel Tango the means to keep up with our production demands, as well as expand our reach into the events services industry."

The Build Fund has also helped support Reveal Properties, which is redeveloping several commercial and residential properties in the Kennedy-King neighborhood.

“Jason and I are grateful for the opportunity Steven gave our company through the Build Fund,” said Kara Heiser, co-owner of Reveal Properties. “Through the Build Fund program, we have taken huge steps toward bringing the distressed buildings at 17th and Bellefontaine to life, and creating an urban commercial core for the neighbors in Kennedy King. We have restored a part of Indy’s history in these buildings, and attracted new jobs and economic growth at the same time. I’m thrilled that we share similar missions. It’s wonderful to see the Build Fund’s support and confidence!”

King Park Development Corporation is a non-profit community development corporation (CDC) committed to improving housing, economic development, and quality of life in the King Park area. Founded in 1987 by concerned residents and neighborhood groups, King Park has helped drive the revitalization of neighborhoods in the northern downtown area of Indianapolis through various public and private partnerships. | kingpark.org

About the Build Fund

Launched in July of 2015, the Build Fund is a loan fund operated by King Park Development Corporation dedicated to helping businesses and underserved areas grow and create jobs in the Indianapolis area. Certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Build Fund plays a large role in generating economic growth and opportunity and connecting businesses to flexible, affordable, and responsible funding. | buildfund.org